British Association for Shooting & Conservation (BASC) spokesman Simon Clarke told the BBC's Inside Out programme: "We have reliable information that Michael Atherton's initial application for a shotgun certificate was actually recommended for refusal by a firearms licensing officer.

"That refusal decision was overturned by somebody higher up the chain of command."

The BASC, which aims to promote and protect sporting shooting and the well-being of the countryside, said it was not clear why the recommendation might have been overturned.

Durham Police lists the reasons why a licence might be refused on its own website, which includes using police information on reports of violence, alcohol abuse and domestic disputes.

The force operates a system based on Home Office guidelines for firearms.

Rules 'confusing'

The Association of Chief Police officers said the tests should be applied to all guns including shotguns and the police have a duty to put public safety and keeping the peace ahead of an individual's right to own a gun.

But Mr Clarke explained that even those in the shooting world say the rules are confusing.

"Although there are national guidelines about how the law should be interpreted there are 34 different pieces of legislation which cover firearms and there are more than 50 constabularies in the UK and each constabulary can apply their own interpretation of those laws," he said.

Durham Police said it was unable to comment on the claim because of an Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) inquiry.

The IPCC is looking at the issues around the granting of Atherton's firearms licence.

It said its investigation was at an early stage and speculation did not assist it.

Inside Out can been seen in the North East and Cumbria on BBC 1 at 19.30 GMT.

BBC links

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